VILLAGE BOARD NEAR ORDINANCE BANNING DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

A local ordinance outlawing drug paraphernalia will be another tool to help
Mokena police fight drug use, Police Chief Steve Pollak told trustees in a
work session this week.

Mokena's crime-fighting strategy has emphasized prevention, especially
regarding such offenses as marijuana possession, tobacco possession by
minors, loitering and graffiti, Pollak said. The village also has an
ordinance allowing police to question known street gang members.

The measure was suggested by Mokena police officers, who believe it will
give the town more control over drug cases, he said, noting that similar
ordinances are in effect in nearby suburbs, such as Tinley Park, Oak Forest
and Oak Lawn.

Furthermore, it would take some pressure off the Will County Criminal
Courts by permitting local settlement of drug paraphernalia cases, the
chief said.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit possession, use, sale and delivery of
drug paraphernalia, defined as "equipment, products or materials of any
kind which would give indication or suggestion that the items are intended
for use in the growth, manufacture, preparation, packing, storing,
concealment, injection, ingestion, inhalation" of drugs.

In the absence of objections from trustees, the ordinance will be proposed
for passage in the near future.